His salary will be $300,000, said Steven B. Moore, vice chancellor of marketing and communications for the system, in response to a question. Williams “will be responsible for working with the Chancellor to best communicate our system needs to the state legislators,” Moore said by e-mail.

“Tommy Williams is a respected and dedicated public servant whose leadership as chair of the Senate Finance Committee during the 83rd Legislative Session played a significant role in prioritizing higher education,” said Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp in a statement. “I have no doubt that his dedication will continue in this new role and that the A&M System will continue to lead the state in reforming higher education.”